Report: Kevin Shattenkirk Traded to Washington Capitals

SAN JOSE, CA - MAY 25: Kevin Shattenkirk #22 of the St. Louis Blues clears the puck against the San Jose Sharks in Game Six of the Western Conference Finals during the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center on May 25, 2016 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Rocky W. Widner/NHL/Getty Images)

After spending parts of the last six seasons with the St. Louis Blues and rumored to be in the trade market for a while now; Kevin Shattenkirk is finally on the move, according to reports around the hockey world. It appears that the Blues will get a 1st round pick in 2017, a conditional 2nd round pick in 2019, Zach Sanford, and Brad Malone. The Blues have retained part (39%) of Shattenkirk’s salary. The Capitals also get Pheonix Copley.

On the conditional pick.If the Capitals make the conference finals, and Shattenkirk plays 50% of games in first two rounds, the Blues get a 2019 second round pick; or

or if the Capitals re-sign Shattenkirk, the Blues get a 2019 second round pick; and

if the Capitals trade Shattenkirk prior to free agency for a fifth or sixth round pick; the Blues get a 7th round pick; or

if the Capitals trade Shattenkirk for a 4th rounder or better; the Blues get a pick two rounds later than the Capitals receive.

I understand there are a few conditions to work out, but barring a collapse, Kevin Shattenkirk is going to Washington

The former Boston University Terrier has one year remaining on the four-year, $17 million contract he signed with the Blues back in 2013 that has paid him $4.25 million per season. With a chance to increase his paycheck and test the free agent pool, the 2007 draftee should be motivated to produce this season.

Shattenkirk, 27, is a reliable offensive producer from the back end. This past season, he set a career high in goals (14) and posted 40 points. This is the fourth consecutive season, excluding 2013 (48-game season), that he’s posted 40+ points since coming into the League in 2010. He has 11 goals and 31 thus far in 2016-17, through 61 games.

Power Play Production

How important was he to the Blues power play? He posted 26 points with the man advantage scoring six goals. The New Rochelle native’s 5v4 point production was best on the Blues, 19 points better than the next man (Colton Parayko), and tied Erik Karlsson for fourth overall in the NHL. Shattenkirk has also been a consistent possession player, averaging a 54.4% CF% over his career to go along with a 54.8 FF%. In the playoffs, Shattenkirk scored two goals and 11 points in 20 games. He has scored 28 points in 47 career Stanley Cup Playoff contests. His playmaking skills and ability to get the puck to the net through traffic have been evident.

The Colorado Avalanche drafted Shattenkirk 14th overall in the 2007 NHL Draft. They later traded him, along with Chris Stewart, to St. Louis for Erik Johnson.

Shattenkirk will fit well into the top four of his new club. He’s quite durable, having played 70+ games four seasons in his career including all 48 games of the shortened season in 2013.

With the addition, the Caps are poised to make a deep playoff run now that they’ve shored up one of their main weaknesses. They lead the NHL in points with 89, and will be looking to win their franchise’s first Stanley Cup after several disappointing playoff exits.

Zach Sanford, 22, was the Capitals second round pick, 61st overall in the 2013 NHL Draft. He has played 26 games this year, mainly on the fourth line, and has two goals and an assist. In 25 games with the Hershey Bears, he had 16 points.

Brad Malone, 27, has spent the entire season with the Hershey Bears, where he has 20 points in 52 games. He has played 176 NHL games with the Carolina Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche, scoring 13 goals and 30 points.

Pheonix Copley, 25, has played two games in his NHL career, one this season. He has played 25 games with the Chicago Wolves, and has a 2.31 goals against average and .920 save percentage. He was originally drafted by the Capitals and traded to the Blues in theT.J. Oshie/Troy Brouwer deal.